Washington / Chelan County

Steliko Lookout

Open — Open year-round. Accessible by 4WD vehicle mid-April to mid-November. Mid-November to mid-April, the final 1.5 miles are road-closed; access by foot, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile only. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Minimum 2-night stay required on weekends.

About

Built in 1947, Steliko Lookout is one of three remaining fire lookouts on the Entiat Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This L-4 cab sits atop a 10-foot tower at an elevation of 2,586 feet on Steliko Point, providing panoramic views of the Entiat Valley, Tyee Mountain, Stormy Mountain, and east to the Waterville Plateau. The lookout was actively used by Forest Service personnel until the 1990s and is still occasionally used during emergencies. The lookout is accessible via FS Road 5310, a narrow, steep 1.75-mile route with 945 feet of elevation gain. From mid-April to mid-November, the road can be navigated by SUV or four-wheel drive vehicles, though all-wheel or four-wheel drive is strongly recommended to limit road damage. During winter months (mid-November through mid-April), the final 1.5 miles of road are closed, requiring visitors to walk, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile to reach the lookout. Snow accumulation can exceed 4 feet depending on the year. Recent upgrades have improved the facility, though conditions remain primitive and guests must be prepared with their own supplies. The surrounding area features open hillsides covered with balsam root and lupine in spring, excellent mule deer habitat, and access to nearby trails including the Steliko Ridge Trail. The area offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, and exploring numerous forest roads.

Directions

From Entiat, travel 10.3 miles west on Entiat River Road (County Road 19). Turn right on Forest Road 5310, drive past the Forest Service buildings and continue 1.5 miles (use 4WD). Stay straight on 5310-110 at the junction and follow to the lookout.

Nearby Campgrounds